Copacabana Beach is a Rio de Janeiro landmark, and a fantastic place to visit on your trip to Brazil. While you won't struggle to find things to do in this beautiful area, it's always a good idea to go into the day with a game-plan.

Frescobol

This fun little game is a great way to mix up a lazy day at the beach. Instead of lying around, grab some paddles, a ball and a friend and have a little challenge while you work on your tan. If you're anything like me, you don't like to just sit around all day. I love this because it's not too intense. There are lots of sports games you can join at Copacabana Beach, but sometimes the soccer or volleyball competition gets a little too fierce. Frescobol is fun and simple; see how long you and your partner can keep the ball from touching the ground. If you don't have any paddles, ask around. Many hotels have them for guests and people are certainly willing to share.

Surfing

Nothing says "South American beach vacation" like surfing. Whether you have never been or you're a seasoned vet, Copacabana Beach can be a fun place to relax and catch a few waves. There are even a few different places in the Copacabana Beach area that offer surfing lessons and gear rental. Because the waves are pretty small, it's the perfect place for a novice to learn or a more advanced student to practice their technique.

Eat

Brazil is famous for having delicious foods and there are plenty of traditional restaurants up and down the beach . The hotel restaurants can be pricier and more mainstream. I like to eat more traditional food, especially here, where the food is delicious. Try a barbeque style restaurant where waiters walk around with huge pieces of meat on skewer and serve you whenever you want more. If you want to grab a quick bite or drink, try one of the many beach bars. Right on the beach, they serve small food items, beer, 'succo' (juice) and Caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil made from limes, cachaca (a type of alcohol made from sugarcane), sugar and ice.

Tours

Tours of Copacabana Beach and the surrounding area are popular and can be a fun alternative to sunbathing. Copacabana has a rich history that is reflected in many of its buildings and landmarks and will really bring to life the city's glamorous past. Go a little deeper into the city's history and take a tour of Forte de Copacabana. The place where the original Copacabana chapel, after which the city was named, once stood is now dominated by this incredible fort. The famous Copacabana Beach photo you've seen on all the postcards is also taken from this location, if you'd like to make your own Rio postcard.

New Year's Eve

It may seem like a long way off right now, but this is by far the number one thing to do at Copacabana Beach. The New Year's celebration is world renowned and attracts people from all over the world for this one night. As the city's second largest event (after Carnaval), the beach floods with over 2 million people looking for a great time. With everything from fireworks to traditional rituals, this is one heck of a party. The buildings lining the beach are decorated to the nines and lit up to welcome the new year. There are shows, free concerts and lots of dancing. But there are also traditional events such as dressing in White for peace, Green for money, and Blue for peace Releasing flowers, food and champagne into the ocean to honor Lemanja, the goddess of the sea, is also another beautiful tradition.